Worried about a farm animal?

Transport, slaughter and non-welfare issues

Who you should contact for:

Transport - If you're concerned about the way in which farm animals are being transported, or treated at a livestock market, then please contact Trading Standards.

Slaughter - If the concern is about farm animals at a slaughter plant, or the illegal killing/slaughter of farm animals outside of a slaughter plant, then please contact the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Non-welfare issues - If you have a farm animal enquiry that is not an animal welfare issue, e.g. it concerns carcass disposal, or in the event of a suspected notifiable disease, then please contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

When to contact us

If you see a farm animal on a farm that you think is ill or injured and isn't receiving the proper medical care, or you believe they are in danger or distress then please contact us as soon as possible.

Farm animals in cold weather

Some farm animals such as the hardier sheep and cattle breeds, are able to cope with cold or wet conditions and don't need our assistance.

Farm animals in hot weather

Farm animals as entertainment

You should contact us about the use of farm animals for entertainment in a way that may unnecessarily compromise their welfare. For example, the racing or riding of farm animals, such as pigs and sheep.